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Responsibility for creation has long been important to the Franciscan nuns of Vöcklabruck. For 22 years there has been a working group in the order that deals with the topics of sustainability, ecology, fair trade and regionality. “We strive to make decisions in our community with a view to these issues,” says Superior General Sr. Angelika Garstenauer.
The Order is currently collecting its ecological footprint. The result should be a decision-making aid for further measures, whereby ecological, economic and social aspects should be taken into account in equal measure.
“We take more from creation, indeed much more than is our due and is good for creation,” writes Vicar General Sr. Teresa Hametner in the new issue of the Franciscan Women’s Magazine. In her column, she takes a stand for renunciation and its positive side. She refers to the example of Francis of Assisi, according to which one can also become rich by making sacrifices.
The Franciscans try to live out their responsibility for creation in many areas: from the kitchens in the convents, in which value is placed on regionality, ecology and fair trade, to sustainable forestry in their forest property. Sr. Angelika: “Careful handling, respect, appreciation of creation also means respecting human dignity in all areas of life and treating every creature with respect.”
The leader of the working group is Sr. Wilburgis Demal, who was responsible for the convent in the mother house until the autumn. “It’s about developing a lifestyle that doesn’t come at the expense of others,” she says of “Christian duty.”
The current magazine of the Franciscan Sisters is dedicated to sustainability and can be requested free of charge: generalsekretariat@franziskanerinnen.at
Source: Nachrichten
